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Runner’s Knee

What is runner's knee?

Runner's knee means that you have dull pain around the front of the knee (patella). This is where the knee connects with the lower end of the thighbone (femur).

What causes runner's knee?

Runner's knee may be caused by a structural defect, or a certain way of walking or running. Other causes may include:

A kneecap that is too high in the knee joint

Weak thigh muscles

Tight hamstrings

Tight Achilles tendons

Poor foot support

Walking or running with the feet rolling in while the thigh muscles pull the kneecap outward

Excessive training or overuse

Injury

What are the symptoms of runner's knee?

These are the most common symptoms of runner's knee:

Pain in and around the kneecap that happens when you are active. Or pain after sitting for a long time with the knees bent. This sometimes causes weakness or feelings of instability.

Rubbing, grinding, or clicking sound of the kneecap that you hear when you bend and straighten your knee

Kneecap that is tender to the touch

The symptoms of runner's knee may look like other conditions and health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is runner's knee diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider can diagnose runner's knee by looking at your health history and doing a physical exam. X-rays may be needed for evaluation of the knee.

How is runner’s knee treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

How old you are

Your overall health and health history

How much pain you have

How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

How long the condition is expected to last

Your opinion or preference

The best course of treatment for runner's knee is to stop running until you can run again without pain. Other treatment may include:

Cold packs

Elevating the leg

Compression knee wrap

Medicines such as ibuprofen

Stretching exercises

Strengthening exercises

Arch support in shoes

Can runner’s knee be prevented?

Preventing runner’s knee includes not overstressing your knees. You can do this by:

Losing weight if needed

Stretching before running

Increasing your activities gradually

Wearing good running shoes

Running leaning forward with your knees bent

Key points about runner's knee

Runner's knee is dull pain around the front of the knee.

It may be caused by a structural defect, or a certain way of walking or running.

Symptoms include pain, and rubbing, grinding, or clicking sound of the kneecap.

Treatment includes not running until pain goes away. Also using cold packs, compression, and elevation may help. Medicine such as ibuprofen can lessen pain and reduce inflammation. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent runner’s knee.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.